Coming of Age Day

Called Seijin No Hi, today is the day when those who have turned 20 years of age during the past year attend a special ceremony at the shrine. The fabulous kimono worn for the occasion are worth hundreds of thousands of yen and for that very reason they are usually rented. 

Interestingly, the city of Kitakyushu has issued advice on how to dress appropriately, as officials had become concerned in previous years that young people were trying to be too trendy or trashy, which apparently is not in keeping with the seriousness of the event.  

Apart from dressing up or down,   today marks the transition into adulthood when Japanese people can drink, smoke and vote. 

Hopefully today will mark a positive transition for Blipfoto too! 

Sad to learn that the legend who was the original Ziggy Stardust has left us after a battle with cancer. The woofer will be getting extra cuddles this evening.